If you are visiting Japan, a walk through Tanga Market is well worth considering.
Located in Kokura, the center of Kitakyushu City, Tanga Market is a traditional market with a history of more than 100 years. Even today, local residents regularly come here to buy ingredients, and the market continues to support everyday food culture in the area.For travelers who enjoy exploring food while getting a glimpse of everyday life in Japan, it is an easy place to stop by.
A Local Market with a Sense of History
Tanga Market is said to have begun in the 1910s. Its origins trace back to an open space along a river in the city, where fish caught at sea were brought to the riverbank and unloaded directly from fishing nets to be sold. Over time, merchants selling vegetables and fruit joined the fish vendors, and the area gradually developed into a market.
Although there was a period during the war when the market did not function, merchants gathered again after the war and reopened it as a market dealing in fresh food. Even today, the atmosphere of those early days remains, and the market continues to attract attention from both within and outside the city.
A Lively Market with Around 70 Shops
Around 70 shops line Tanga Market, including vendors selling fresh seafood, produce, prepared foods, and meals. Even a simple walk through the market gives visitors a sense of its lively atmosphere.Reflecting Kitakyushu’s close connection to the sea, the freshness of the seafood is one of the market’s defining features. As you walk through the market, you may also catch sight of local chefs purchasing ingredients for their kitchens.
Must-Try Local Foods
Tanga Market offers a wide variety of local foods that can be enjoyed while walking around.
Nukadaki (Fish Simmered in Rice Bran Paste)
Nukadaki is a traditional dish from the Kokura area. Sardines or mackerel are simmered with soy sauce, mirin, sugar, and other seasonings, and finished by adding nukamiso (fermented rice bran paste) as a key flavoring.
The dish is known for its rich umami from vegetables, the aroma of Japanese pepper and chili, and a subtle tang created through fermentation, with the flavor varying subtly from shop to shop. It is eaten year-round as a home-style dish or accompaniment to drinks, and is also served on special occasions such as New Year celebrations and other ceremonial events.
Kitakyushu City official Nukadaki Map (with an explanation of nuka)
Kokura Kamaboko Canapé
Despite the name, this is not the canapé made with crackers. It is an original menu item created by this shop, made by rolling fish paste mixed with ingredients such as carrots and onions in thin slices of bread, then deep-frying it.
It is characterized by a crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy interior.
Kyushu Maguro
This is a tuna specialty shop offering cuts of tuna and sushi. In the back of the shop, eat-in menu items such as rice bowls and sushi are also available from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Tanga Udon
This udon shop has been preserving its flavors for over 40 years using traditional handmade methods. Its burdock tempura udon is especially popular, and oden is also recommended.
Kashiwaya Kurose and Torikatsudon Kurobei
This is a chicken specialty shop where prepared foods such as fried chicken and croquettes can be purchased. Inside the shop, meals such as chicken cutlet rice bowls are also served.The shop’s original seasoning, Kurose no Spice, pairs well with beef, pork, chicken, and fish, and is also well suited for barbecues.
Kashiwaya Kurose and Torikatsudon Kurobei (Google Maps)
Sorameshi
Sorameshi is a service offered by Ibushiya, a smoked foods shop in the market.
At Ibushiya, you purchase a bowl of steamed white rice with a small side dish (200 yen), then choose your favorite toppings—such as sashimi, nukadaki (fish simmered in rice bran paste), or tempura—sold elsewhere in Tanga Market and place them on the rice bowl to enjoy.
Ibushiya
Ibushiya is a smoked foods specialty shop that produces and sells its products on-site, including smoked cheese, nuts, and its original snack Tanjaga.The shop is located in the Tanga Aozora Market area and is open from around 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
There are many other shops offering a wide range of foods and fresh ingredients throughout the market. As it is not possible to introduce them all here, we recommend exploring Tanga Market while referring to the market map.
One of the market’s appeals is the opportunity to casually sample a variety of flavors while enjoying its atmosphere.
Typical Opening Hours
Opening hours vary by shop, but many stores generally open around 10:00 a.m. and close in the early evening.
Some restaurants in the market stay open into the evening, making them a good option for those who would like to experience a different atmosphere from daytime.
Many shops are closed on Sundays and public holidays.
Helpful Tips
Simple restroom facilities are available inside the market and outdoors.
Travelers who prioritize comfort may find it reassuring to use nearby facilities in advance.
Please note that some shops accept cash only, so having cash on hand can be convenient.
Redevelopment
Tanga Market is currently undergoing a redevelopment project aimed at improving its facilities and surrounding area.While construction work is taking place in parts of the area, many shops remain open and continue their daily operations.
This ongoing project is intended to enhance convenience and overall infrastructure while preserving the market’s long-standing role as a place rooted in everyday local life.It will also be interesting to see how Tanga Market continues to evolve over time.
A Place to Visit
Tanga Market is a place where visitors can experience local food culture and a sense of everyday life.It is easy to stop by even for a short visit and can be combined with sightseeing around Kokura Station or a visit to Kokura Castle.As part of your stay in Kitakyushu, we invite you to take some time to visit.
For those who would like to explore Tanga Market in more depth, there is also an experience that combines an English-guided walk through the market with a sushi-making activity. Details such as the itinerary and pricing are available on the experience page.
Kitakyushu, Fukuoka: Tanga Market Tour & Sushi-Making Class